(a) whether the Union Government has conducted any study regarding utilization of funds meant for
power generation from urban and industrial waste and solar energy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to constitute District Level Advisory Committees in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)
(a)&(b): On utilization of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) for power generation, disbursement of central
financial assistance towards past subsidy for setting up such plants, the Supreme Court in its interim order
has stayed such disbursement since May, 2005 on a PIL suggesting conversion of Municipal Solid Waste in
Class-I cities to compost as the preferred route. In so far as utilization of solar energy for power
generation purposes is concerned, the same is not being supported in view of the high cost of generation,
currently placed at around Rs. 20 / kWh (without battery back-up). Under the programme on Energy Recovery
from Industrial Waste central financial assistance is released on re-imbursement basis on successful
commissioning of the project. Further, state government departments / state nodal agencies are required
to periodically submit progress reports, utilization certificates and audited statements of expenditure in
support of utilization of funds released. This apart, Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) audits accounts
of concerned state government departments.
(c)&(d): District-Level Advisory Committees for Renewable Energy have already been constituted in
550 districts to facilitate effective coordination of renewable energy schemes / programmes at the field
level. The Committee is headed by the District Collector/Deputy Commissioner with the Project Director,
District Rural Development Agency or the Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad as Member-Secretary.
Membership comprises district officers belonging to allied departments such as Forests, Industries,
Agriculture, Information Technology, Education, Health, etc; Representatives of the District Bar Council
(or Govt. Pleader), Lead Bank, Non-Government Organizations, Rotary Club, Lions Club, locals industry
associations, etc. have also been included as members. At least six members of the Committee are required to be women.